---
title: 'Iran’s Mojtaba Khamenei Orders Enriched Uranium Must Stay in Country'
url: 'https://thediplomaticinsight.com/khamenei-orders-enriched-uranium-must-stay-in-country/'
author: 'News Desk'
date: '2026-05-22T09:39:57+05:00'
categories:
  - 'Middle East'
  - 'World'
tags:
  - 'Donald Trump'
  - 'Enriched Uranium'
  - 'Iran'
  - 'Mojtaba Khamenei'
  - 'Supreme Leader'
---

# Iran’s Mojtaba Khamenei Orders Enriched Uranium Must Stay in Country

**Tehran (TDI):** Iran’s Supreme Leader has issued a directive stating that the country’s near-weapons-grade enriched uranium must not be transferred abroad, in a move that further hardens Tehran’s position in ongoing negotiations with the United States.

The order by Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei tightens Iran’s stance on a key demand in US-led talks aimed at resolving the conflict and nuclear dispute, particularly the future of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile, according to Reuters.

The directive could complicate diplomatic efforts supported by regional mediators, including Pakistan, as Washington continues to insist that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles be removed from the country as part of any agreement.

Israeli officials have said that US President Donald Trump has assured Israel that Iran’s stockpile must be transferred abroad, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that the war cannot be considered over unless Iran’s enrichment program is significantly rolled back, Reuters’ report added.

It cited Iranian sources saying that the leadership in Tehran believes transferring enriched uranium outside the country would leave Iran more vulnerable to future military strikes by the United States and Israel.

“The Supreme Leader’s directive, and the consensus within the establishment, is that the stockpile of enriched uranium should not leave the country,” one source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The White House and Iran’s foreign ministry have not publicly responded to the report. A fragile ceasefire remains in place following months of conflict that escalated after US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February, followed by retaliatory actions across the region, including attacks on Gulf-linked assets and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

**Read More: [Khamenei Praises Iran’s ‘Resistance’ Against US and Israel](https://thediplomaticinsight.com/khamenei-praises-irans-resistance-against-us-israel/)**

Despite ongoing mediation efforts, including Pakistani diplomatic engagement, significant disagreements remain over Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, and verification mechanisms.

Iranian officials have expressed deep mistrust of Washington’s intentions, with some describing the ceasefire as a tactical pause rather than a durable settlement.

Senior Iranian peace negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said on Wednesday that recent US actions suggest preparations for possible renewed strikes, reflecting continued suspicion within Tehran’s political establishment.

**Read More: [US Intel Says Mojtaba Khamenei Influencing Iran’s War Strategy](https://thediplomaticinsight.com/us-intel-says-mojtaba-khamenei-influencing-irans-war-strategy/)**

US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, said Washington remains prepared to resume military action if no agreement is reached, while also indicating that diplomacy could continue for a limited period.